How to Dilute Salicylic Acid

Written by elle blake| 13/05/2017

Salicylic facials are a very popular way to treat skin conditions. (getting a facial image by Kelly Kane from Fotolia.com)

Salicylic acid is the main ingredient in Salicylic facials, a type of facial commonly used to treat skin and hair conditions such as dandruff, acne, warts and psoriasis. It works by penetrating the skin and causing stimulation, which encourages the skin to renew itself, and shed old skin. It can be very harsh on the skin, however, so diluting the acid is recommended to prevent damage or irritation.

Purchase salicylic acid, which is available from most chemists. Look for a 2 per cent solution, which is water-based.

Pour ¼ of a cup of water into a medium-sized, stainless steel bowl.

Add ¼ of a cup of salicylic acid.

Mix slowly, until the fluids have blended.

Add another ¼ cup of salicylic acid.

Stir again, ensuring the two fluids mix.

Tip

To dilute the mixture down to a 0.5 per cent solution, add 1/4 of a cup of water at the end of the process. Always complete a test patch on a piece of skin and wait 48 hours before using a salicylic peel, to prevent irritation or skin damage.

Tips and warnings

To dilute the mixture down to a 0.5 per cent solution, add 1/4 of a cup of water at the end of the process.

Always complete a test patch on a piece of skin and wait 48 hours before using a salicylic peel, to prevent irritation or skin damage.